CORAL reefs are tiny animals living in colonies. These animals form corals out of limestone. All living things are made up of cells. Coral reefs are made of millions of cells. There are 700 species of coral. Coral reefs are home to almost 4,000 species of fish.
Corals are found in more than 100 countries. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. It was recently reported that the Great Barrier Reef’s coral is dying and it may never be the same again. The last few months of historically high ocean temperatures has bleached the corals and the Australian government has put the coral bleaching threat at its highest level possible.
Many of us don’t realise that we are third in the list of countries with the highest number of coral species. Sipadan is said to be one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world. Its immense beauty has lured divers from all over the world. There are many more beautiful dive sites, such as Perhentian, Redang, Tioman islands on the east coast and Langkawi on the west coast.
I hope the Fisheries Department will carry out an in-depth survey on coral reefs in the country and the effects of the current heatwave has on them.
We must understand that coral reefs are not only important to the creatures that live there but also to humans. It is a habitat for so many creatures. If we don’t save it, who will?
These are some of the sea creatures we would like to help save: dolphins, crabs, jellyfish, sharks, eels, angelfish, squid, clams, seahorses and sea turtles.
Can you imagine the ocean without them? Coral reefs are so beautiful to look at, with all their beautiful colours — turquoise, violet, fire red, yellow-gold, hot pink and pumpkin orange.
Many people would not enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving without these beautiful reefs.
Lionel Perera, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan